Contoured arm sling

Abstract

A sling for the arm incorporates first and second side panels each having a lower peripheral contour shaped to approximate a lower arm shape. An elastic bottom panel is attached to the first and second side panels at the lower peripheral contour.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sling for the arm comprising:
 forward and rearward side panels each having a lower peripheral contour shaped to approximate a lower arm shape; and, a bottom panel attached to the first and second side panels at the lower a peripheral contour.   
     
     
         2 . The sling as defined in  claim 1  wherein the bottom panel has tapering sides. 
     
     
         3 . The sling as defined in  claim 2  wherein the tapering sides are symmetrical. 
     
     
         4 . The sling as defined in  claim 1  wherein the bottom panel is elastic. 
     
     
         5 . The sling as defined in  claim 1  wherein at least one of the side panels incorporates apertures for ventilation. 
     
     
         6 . The sling as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a strap connected at a first end to a posterior end of one or more of the side panels and bottom panel and at a second end to a Y connector, said Y connector connected with a first leg to a front surface of an anterior portion of the forward side panel and with a second leg to rear surface of an anterior portion of the rearward side panel. 
     
     
         7 . The sling as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a closure band releasably engaged from the forward side panel to the rearward side panel. 
     
     
         8 . The sling as defined in  claim 1  wherein at least one side panel incorporates multiple layers of varying texture and thickness including a lower portion having greater thickness and resiliency than an upper portion. 
     
     
         9 . The sling as defined in  claim 1  wherein the side panels are fabricated from material selected from the set of neoprene, Lycra, Jersey, polyester, foam, spandex and various laminated combinations thereof 
     
     
         10 . The sling as defined in  claim 6  wherein the first leg of the Y connector is resiliently upstanding. 
     
     
         11 . The sling as defined in  claim 10  wherein the second leg of the Y connector is resiliently upstanding. 
     
     
         12 . The sling as defined in  claim 6  wherein the second leg of the Y connector is attached to the rear surface of the rearward side panel by a hook and loop fastener to allow the Y connector to additionally act as a closure for the anterior end of the sling.